Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has hinted at the possibility of renewed talks with the U.S. regarding its nuclear program. This comes as Khamenei acknowledged that engaging with the “enemy” could be beneficial, although he reiterated his warnings about trusting Washington. The current government under President Masoud Pezeshkian faces challenges in navigating these potential negotiations, especially amidst tensions in the Middle East and the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
Despite Khamenei’s cautious stance, there have been previous indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. mediated by other countries. The U.S. State Department emphasized the importance of judging Iran’s actions rather than their words, particularly in light of Iran’s recent nuclear escalations and lack of cooperation with international agencies.
Since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran has abandoned its program limits, raised uranium enrichment levels, and threatened to pursue atomic weapons. At the same time, tensions with Israel have escalated, culminating in a recent drone-and-missile attack by Iran. President Pezeshkian’s administration aims to reengage with the West through negotiations, with the support of key figures like former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.